Marta took up judo as a teenager, inspired by her older brother. She began training in Madrid, Spain. "I chose judo because my older brother practised it," she said. "Judo taught me that I was capable of doing things." Her early dedication paid off when she made her debut for Spain in 1997.

Injuries and Comebacks

Marta's career has not been without challenges. In 2018, she ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during the World Championships in Odivelas, Portugal. She underwent surgery in December 2018 and returned to competition six months later. Additionally, she broke her right arm's radius at the 2018 Grand Prix in Antalya, Turkiye, requiring another surgery.

Training and Philosophy

Marta trains at the High Performance Centre (CAR) in Madrid, Spain. Her training regimen is rigorous, reflecting her philosophy: "Everything is possible if you are willing to fight for your dreams." This mindset has driven her through various stages of her career.

Family and Education

Marta balances her professional life with a fulfilling family life. She is married to Yoshio and has three children: Kenji, Issei, and Yumi. She took a maternity break from 2012 to 2017 to give birth to her second and third children. During this period, she also pursued further education.

She holds a degree in physiotherapy from the Autonomous University of Madrid and has studied for a master's degree in communication and sports journalism at CEU San Pablo University in Madrid. Additionally, she has qualifications in pilates and coaching.

Achievements and Recognition

Marta's achievements extend beyond the judo mat. In 2009, she received the Bronze Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in Spain. More recently, she was named a flag bearer for Spain at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris alongside table tennis player Alvaro Valera.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Marta aims to win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. This goal reflects her enduring commitment to judo and her desire to continue excelling on an international stage.

Marta Arce Payno's journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. From overcoming injuries to balancing family life with professional commitments, she remains an inspiring figure in the world of sports.